Lasting Beauty thatís Skin Deep

Temporary Tattoo Obtained in Bali Blamed for Severe Allergic Reaction

Seputarbali.com reports that a Perth, Western Australia resident is warning people getting tattoos in Bali to be aware of the risk of allergic reactions to the dyes used to mark the skin.

Based on a report originally published in the West Australian, a Perth boy suffered severe reactions to dyes used on a temporary tattoo he received in Bali, a problem reportedly linked to a toxic chemical contained in the dyes.

The man from Perth who refused permission to print his complete name, said his 11-year-old son developed rashes all over his body after getting a temporary tattoo in Bali in April.

Later, doctors in Perth traced the boys condition to paraphenylenediamine(PPD), a chemical found in boot polish.

A treatment regime of antibiotics, cortisones and steroid are being used, but doctors say the scars may persist for up to 12 months. A younger brother who received a similar tattoo at the same establishment had no allergic reaction.

The Doctor in Perth who treated the boy said he sees at least one such case each month in his practice linked to a Bali tattoo. The doctor said 10-20% of the people receiving a temporary tattoo suffer some sort of allergic reaction.